An earthquake is a sudden and rapid shaking of the ground caused by moving tectonic plates. Earthquakes can range from barely noticeable to very destructive and can occur anywhere in the world. Many regions do not receive many Earthquakes, but some receive many.
The strongest earthquake in history was the 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile. This massive quake had a magnitude of 9.5 and lasted for about 10 minutes. It caused tons of destruction along the coast of Chile, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and property damage. The earthquake also triggered tsunamis that caused damage in Chile and in other nearby countries, such as Hawaii (In USA) and Japan. The powerful quake was the result of a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, causing a release of powerful energy. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake remains one of the most powerful and destructive earthquakes in recorded history.
During an earthquake, it’s very important to stay calm and take immediate action to protect yourself. If you’re indoors, drop to the ground, if possible, take cover under a desk or table. Hold on to it until the shaking stops. If there is no desk or table nearby, cover your face and head with your arms and find a place away from windows and heavy objects. If you’re outdoors, go to an open space away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Don’t use elevators, as they may become stuck, and do not use matches, candles or other open flames because gas lines may be damaged. Once the shaking has stopped and you’re inside a building, evacuate the building and seek open ground or a clear area in case of aftershocks or buildings collapse. If you’re near water, it’s better to quickly evacuate the area, because earthquakes can trigger tsunamis.
The San Francisco Earthquake
On April 18, 1906, one of the most destructive earthquakes in history struck San Francisco in California, causing lots of destruction throughout the city. The earthquake was estimated to be a magnitude 7.9, struck just before dawn, sending many destructive shockwaves through the city and toppling buildings and infrastructure. The giant hills of San Francisco Earthquake is what remains of the fateful day. The shaking was so severe that it caused the ground to rupture in many places, opening up fissures and creating massive crevasses in the Earth. The earthquake lasted for about a minute but was followed by many aftershocks that continued for days on end.
The Earthquake was one of the most devastating & destructive natural disasters in United States history and caused extensive damage to the city of San Francisco. Many buildings collapsed, and fires broke out in the aftermath of the quake. They burned for days and causing even more destruction. In total, an estimated 3,000 people died as a result of the Earthquake, its series of aftershocks, and fires. More than 80% of the city’s buildings were destroyed or severely damaged. The disaster had a large impact on the city and the entire United States.